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Around ten years after the complete renovation of the hotel and catering facilities and five years after the construction of the “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway, Pilatus-Bahnen is embarking on a special project close to its heart: the redesign of the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. On 2 February 2021, those responsible presented the CHF 55-million project to the public: Starting in the summer of 2021, eight new railcars gradually took off on the original route of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. The timeless, first-class design of the trains with 360-degree panoramic windows increases the pleasure of the ride and ensures even more heartbeat on Lucerne’s local mountain. An innovative guidance system and other technological innovations provide more comfort and more sustainable operation – in future even at half-hourly intervals.
A year ago, Pilatus-Bahnen AG presented the groundbreaking design for the new railcars of the rack railway between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm. They are the centrepiece of a comprehensive technological renewal of the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.
Better views than ever
Maximum-sized glass fronts in the new carriages provide a 360-degree panoramic view and an even more spectacular riding experience. The renowned designer Thomas Küchler, who grew up at the foot of Mount Pilatus, created the new railcars. He chose a timeless design with soft radii and an elegant form language. The cars come in classic Pilatus red, accentuated by iconic LED lighting on the fronts. In the passenger compartment, bright, warm colours and high-quality flooring create a refined atmosphere. The focus is on first-class, stylish vehicles with high-quality materials.
New pioneering achievements for a globally unique heritage
The unique rack-and-pinion system that Eduard Locher and his team created over 130 years ago shows hardly any signs of wear and remains virtually unchanged. Thanks to this pioneering system, the rack-and-pinion railway on Mount Pilatus has been mastering the record ascent of 480 per thousand since 1889 – a feat that is still unsurpassed worldwide.
The new traction units will operate in double traction in future. A second platform was built in Alpnachstad. Thanks to this, guests can board the eight railcars simultaneously without additional shunting. Instead of transfer tables, three new track turners – custom-made unique pieces from the Emmental machine factory Steck – will be installed. These measures, as well as the slightly higher travel speed, make it possible to introduce the half-hourly service.
Quieter and more sustainable operation
Thanks to a new lift and a widened waiting hall, the Pilatus Kulm mountain station meets the latest standards for disabled-friendly public transport. In addition, a pioneering guidance system – developed by the Swiss company Actemium LeitTec, especially for Pilatus-Bahnen AG – ensures even safer operation. The new vehicles are quieter and reduce power consumption by 30 per cent thanks to recuperation.
Replacement of the train formations from the 1930s
The primary goal of the new construction project is to replace the historic railcars with new traction units and thus preserve the unique cultural assets. There are no longer any spare parts for the over 80-year-old rolling stock, the vehicles are becoming more susceptible to breakdowns and maintenance is becoming more costly. Replacing the old railcars is essential in order to guarantee guests a safe and trouble-free journey up Mount Pilatus in the future. Two railcars from the 1930s will be retained and used in future for special trips.
The groundbreaking decision for the next 40 years
Pilatus-Bahnen AG expects the project to cost a total of 55 million Swiss francs. This investment will be financed largely from the company’s own funds – but not entirely, as originally planned, due to the loss of revenue caused by the pandemic. Additional shareholder and bank loans will secure the realisation of the project.
Three years for a new work of the century
The construction work, carefully adapted to the sensitive alpine environment, started at the end of 2020. The railcars are being delivered by the manufacturer Stadler Rail in sections: The first new passenger railcar started running in June 2021 for test purposes. In October 2022 for the first time as double traction. According to the plan, all construction work will be completed in May 2023 and the eight new railcars will be in service. The orders will be executed by Swiss companies without exception.
